Steve Frey
The Radford City School Board approved a 2.5 percent salary increase for various employees at its regular board meeting Tuesday night.
The beginning teacher salary will be $39,463 with a bachelor’s degree and $43,170 with a master’s degree.
On the highest step, at 29 years, teachers with a bachelor’s degree will receive $60,099, and a teacher with a master’s degree will have a salary of $63,806.
Teachers with 15 credit hours toward a master’s degree will receive an additional $500. The supplemental increment for a master’s degree will be $3,707; National Board Certification will add $1,355; a doctorate will mean an additional $2,745.
Superintendent Robert Graham emphasized that this increase will help to provide Radford with a “very competitive salary scale.”
The board was unanimous in its approval of the salary increase, which will go into effect for the 2018-2019 school year.
The school board also unanimously approved the Local Special Education Annual Plan as reviewed by Executive Director of Student Services, David Sable.
Sable shared that there are 230 students with Individual Education Plans currently receiving special education services.
The largest number of identified students is in the area of Speech-Language Impairment. He pointed out that the number of students with a disability in that area goes down over time because of the excellent early intervention services in the pre-school and early elementary grades.
Stable thanked the board for its commitment of funds and staffing saying.
“We are not identifying students at an earlier age because we are addressing some of the issues of poverty,” he said.
He mentioned that 81 percent of the students in the pre-school program are mainstreamed, which is a very commendable number and that other divisions want to visit to learn more about the success of the program.
Graham pointed out that about 110 of 120 possible students are in a pre-school program and about 95 percent of students score “kindergarten-ready” on the PALS assessment, also indicating great early intervention and preparation.
School board member Carl Mitchell asked whether special education staff would be moved from the high school to Belle Heth and McHarg as numbers coming through are smaller in order to support inclusion programs at those lower levels.
Sable indicated that that would be possible, adding that needs and ratios are examined each year and resources are allocated accordingly.
Additionally, Sable mentioned that there are 202 students on 504 plans, which are developed to ensure that a child who has a disability not qualifying for special education services receives accommodations that will provide academic success and access to the learning environment.
There are also eight children receiving special education services of the 60 homeschooled students this year. Graham pointed out that the number of homeschooled students reduces the amount of state aid for the division substantially.
Sable also said that funds are designated for professional development in reading, math and other areas.
At the end of the presentation, board Chairman Lynn Burris said that the special education advisory council meets four times per year for about an hour and added, “we need some members.”
If anyone is interested in serving on the council, they can contact the central office at 731-3647.
In a student presentation, Grace Wohlford shared with the board information about participation in the Model General Assembly.
The high school senior, who plans to attend Virginia Tech for engineering next year, discussed debating bills, committee work, learning about how government works and community service opportunities.
Twenty hours of community service and meetings are completed in preparation for participation in the Assembly. She also discussed the presentation and passage of a bill related to foreign language instruction, K-12.
Talking about her participation, she said, “I’m glad I got the opportunity to be in MGA and get this experience. It is definitely more of a hands-on and interactive way to learn about government.”
Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction, Ellen Denny, discussed Innovative Scheduling and possible changes to the high school schedule.
These changes will not take place next year but will be implemented the following year, so more discussion, training, and preparation with staff can take place.
Administrators have developed a draft of a seven-period day where teachers would teach five periods, have one period for planning, and one duty period.
Class periods would be 50 minutes in length with reduced passing time from five to four minutes.
There would only be one lunch period for students, and teachers would have the possibility of common departmental and integrated curriculum planning time.
They are also discussing the possibility of some form of block scheduling, perhaps on Tuesday through Friday, with an all-year schedule.
However, she mentioned that they are still looking at a variety of scheduling frameworks.
Denny explained that next year would include those staff discussions concerning the implementation of concepts like the integrated curriculum planning, as well as working with students on the various changes related to announcements, one lunch, additional areas for seating, etc.
Denny stressed that the new schedule will work to best meet student needs and will be student-centered.
She said that the schedule might open up blocks of time for student apprenticeships with local businesses, also.
The school day would be extended by 15 minutes, which may necessitate some changes for schedules at McHarg and Belle Heth. Transportation issues will need to be worked out over the course of next year.
In member’s items, Hestor complimented everyone involved in the high school production of “Cinderella,” Critterton mentioned how wonderful the Rollin’ on the River event was including the school district’s participation, and Burris praised everyone involved with the first annual dog show at that event.
In other items, Superintendent Graham stated that the preliminary SOL data is looking good and though not confirmed at this point, the division is already almost fully accredited.
Graham stated that the district is continuing open enrollment for health insurance programs at various sites in the division and that the process is going well.
The state has not finalized its budget, so the district will make final budget adjustments whenever that takes place. The division will send out teacher contracts based on current information and data.
Graham reported that attendance is very good with no school below 94 percent, and the district as a whole is at almost 96 percent.
Free and reduced lunch numbers continue to increase, with the highest number at McHarg with 57 percent. The high school is now at 40 percent for the first time.
Graham said that graduation is scheduled for May 18 at 7:00 pm at the football field, weather permitting.
He recognized teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week, mentioning what a great staff the Radford City school division has and adding that, “You all do a wonderful job in Radford City, and we certainly appreciate it!”
